Clifford Peter Schilling

Clifford Peter Schilling age 91 of Nashua died peacefully, May 2, 2026 at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua with Pastor Todd Burrichter officiating. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua following the service with Matthew and Nathan Schilling, Josh Doucette, Logan Schilling, Bobby Aukes, and William Lindeland serving as pallbearers.  Megan Schilling, Lewis Schilling, Kati Fruchtenicht, Joe Fruchtenicht, Sara Wrage, Johnathon Graham, Jessica Schilling, Koryn Doucette, and Dalton Schilling will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory — Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.

Clifford Peter Schilling was born on October 13, 1934, at his parents’ farm home northeast of Nashua, Iowa. The youngest of four sons, Clifford grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life and the steady faith of his family. He was baptized at a very young age by his uncle in the family home, a moment that began a lifelong walk with Christ.

Clifford attended the country school known as Badger District #10 for his elementary education. At age 14, he was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua, a congregation that would remain central throughout his life. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1952 as salutatorian of his class, a testament to his strong work ethic and quiet determination.

After graduation, Clifford began farming alongside his parents. In December 1956, he was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training, he arrived in Korea in May 1957 and was assigned to the 17th U.S. Infantry at Camp Kaiser—the northernmost unit in Korea, responsible for guard duty along the demilitarized zone. He served 16 months overseas before returning to the United States in September 1958. With three months of service remaining, he served as a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, until his honorable release in December 1958.

On May 3, 1959, Clifford married the love of his life, Shirley Abben, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Hudson, Iowa. Together they moved to their farm home, where they built a life, a family, and a legacy over the next 57 years. They were blessed with five children, and Shirley worked alongside Clifford in the farming operation while raising their family. As the children grew, they too became part of the daily work and joy of farm life.

Clifford had a lifelong passion for raising Hereford and Angus cattle. He took pride in the land, the livestock, and the work that shaped his days. After Shirley’s passing in 2016, he semi‑retired but continued helping where he could, finding deep joy in watching his son Ron carry on the farming tradition. Clifford was never one to quit—his perseverance and grit were hallmarks of his character.

Family was the heart of Clifford’s world. His children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren brought him immense pride and happiness. He cherished every visit, every milestone, and every moment shared.

In August 2020, the Schilling farm was recognized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture as a Century Farm—an honor that reflected generations of dedication, stewardship, and love for the land.

Clifford leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, devotion to family, and a life lived with quiet strength. His roots ran deep in the soil he tended and in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in peace, reunited with his wife Shirley and children Denise, Leslie and Ron, and held in the eternal care of God.

Cliff is suvived by his special friend Janet Pagel of Nashua; son Paul Schilling; daughter Audrey (Brad Packard) Schilling; daughter-in-laws Cody Schilling and Jackie Schilling; grandchildren: Matthew and Nathan Schilling, Josh and Koryn Doucette, Logan and Dalton Schilling,  Megan and Lewis Schilling, Kati Fruchtenicht, Joe Fruchtenicht, Sara Wrage, Johnathon Graham, Jessica Schilling; 19 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Rosa (Sommer) Schilling; wife Shirley (Abben) Schilling; sons Leslie and Ronald Schilling; daughter Denise Schilling; and brothers: Erwin, Russell, and Maurice Schilling.

“My work here is done, I received a call, the sort of offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which I will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge bonus-a reunion with family and friends I have not seen in a long time. My new mission is to laugh, love and celebrate eternal life and PRAISE GOD!”

—  Clifford Schilling

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